A recent study took frequent cannabis consumers ages 18 and above who had irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or risk factors for irritable bowel syndrome, an incurable and painful chronic condition.
IBS is a gastrointestinal disorder that causes cramping, abdominal pain, bloating and gas, constipation, diarrhea and in extreme cases can cause intestinal damage. Since the endogenous cannabinoid system’s cannabinoid receptor proteins pass through the central nervous system and to the brain, researchers wondered if the psychological symptoms of IBS correlated with cannabis consumption.
What this study found was that cannabis consumption was related to higher rates of IBS in men, Hispanic people, and white people, than for women and Black people. As interesting as this research is, it fails to include the benefits of cannabis in several other studies including appetite management, nausea, and appetite for a condition that leaves many with little relief.
A more thorough and extensive study is essential to discovering the full range of cannabis’ potential for certain IBS patients.
